Atelectasis

Question

Atelectasis
A) decreases the surface area for gas exchange.
B) causes pneumothorax.
C) causes acute respiratory obstruction.
D) is best treated with antibiotics.

Accepted Answer

Atelectasis is the collapse of one or more areas of the lungs and can decrease the surface area available for gas exchange, leading to impaired oxygenation. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as immobility, anesthesia, or obstruction of the airway. Antibiotics may be used to treat the underlying infection, but alone would not treat the atelectasis itself. Pneumothorax and acute respiratory obstruction are potential complications of atelectasis but are not the defining characteristics of the condition.